Pakistan and Ethiopia to Deepen Cultural Ties Through MoUs and Literary Collaboration
Pakistan and Ethiopia have agreed to significantly enhance cultural cooperation and expand people-to-people ties, following a productive meeting between Ethiopian Ambassador Dr. Jemal Beker and Pakistan’s Federal Minister for National Heritage and Culture, Muhammad Aurangzeb Khichi, in Islamabad.
Ambassador Dr. Jemal Beker, Ethiopia’s Special Envoy and Ambassador Extraordinary, held detailed discussions with Minister Khichi to explore ways of strengthening cultural and bilateral relations. The Secretary of Pakistan’s National Heritage and Culture Division also attended the meeting, emphasizing the importance both countries place on cultural diplomacy.
Minister Khichi warmly welcomed Ambassador Beker and expressed Pakistan’s firm commitment to advancing cultural exchanges with Ethiopia. Highlighting Pakistan’s vast cultural diversity and heritage, the Minister explained the role of his ministry in promoting Pakistani culture domestically as well as internationally. He suggested initiating collaborative cultural projects and affirmed Pakistan’s interest in formally engaging with Ethiopia through memoranda of understanding (MoUs). Minister Khichi assured full support for the necessary formal processes aimed at deepening bilateral cultural interactions.
Ambassador Beker expressed admiration and warm sentiments toward Pakistan, recalling his visits to major cities like Lahore, Karachi, and Islamabad. He praised the Pakistani people for their exceptional hospitality, kindness, and resilience, describing Pakistani culture as distinctive, courageous, and intelligent. Moreover, Ambassador Beker presented an overview of Ethiopia’s historical legacy, noting areas where both nations could mutually benefit from cultural and educational exchanges.
During the discussions, Ambassador Beker proposed formalizing cultural cooperation through MoUs, paving a clear pathway for sustained bilateral engagement. Both sides agreed that enhancing cultural and people-to-people connections is crucial for building deeper mutual understanding and respect between the two countries.
Notably, Ambassador Beker suggested that fostering cultural ties could also help improve trade and economic linkages. Minister Khichi enthusiastically welcomed this idea, affirming that cultural initiatives can indeed serve as an effective bridge to bolster broader bilateral relations.
Further enhancing the cultural dialogue, Ambassador Beker informed the Minister that Ethiopia’s Prime Minister, H.E. Dr. Abiy Ahmed’s book, “Medemer Generation,” has been added to the National Library of Pakistan as part of the Pakistani government’s “African Corner Initiative.” Further enriching bilateral ties, the National Languages Promotion Department of Pakistan will translate this significant literary work into Urdu, thereby promoting deeper cultural understanding between Ethiopia and Pakistan.
Both Ethiopia and Pakistan expressed strong resolve to sustain and expand their cultural exchange activities, underscoring the potential for cultural engagement to deepen mutual friendship and understanding.
